First Step Beginnings
I created First Step Beginnings to be more than just a school—it’s a place where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. I believe that the early years should be filled with curiosity, joy, and opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, and grow with confidence. My goal is to nurture not only academic success, but also the life skills children need to become kind, respectful, and independent individuals.
Microschool Founder: Renee Portillo
Welcome to First Step Beginnings!
My name is Renee Portillo, and I am so excited to begin this journey with you and your child. With over 28 years of teaching experience working with children from preschool through fourth grade, my heart has always been in helping young learners grow, discover, and build a true love for learning.
I created First Step Beginnings to be more than just a school—it’s a place where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. I believe that the early years should be filled with curiosity, joy, and opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, and grow with confidence. My goal is to nurture not only academic success, but also the life skills children need to become kind, respectful, and independent individuals.
Throughout my career, I have specialized in reading instruction, including phonics, reading intervention, and dyslexia awareness and testing. I hold multiple reading certifications in both Arizona and Colorado, along with a teaching degree. I am also certified in First Aid and CPR and meet all state requirements, ensuring a safe and caring environment for every child.
On a more personal note, I am a wife of over 28 years and a proud mom of three wonderful children—a 21-year-old son and 17-year-old boy-girl twins. My family and I are originally from Wyoming, where I grew up on a ranch surrounded by animals, wide open spaces, and the beauty of the mountains. Those early experiences shaped who I am today and inspired my love for the outdoors, animals, and a simple, meaningful way of life. We later lived in Colorado and have recently made Arizona our home to be closer to family and support my dad.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll often find me outside enjoying nature, spending time with my family, or taking my dogs on long walks. I truly believe that connection—to nature, to family, and to each other—is such an important part of a child’s development.
At First Step Beginnings, our core values—responsibility, respect, kindness, honesty, safety, and politeness—are at the heart of everything we do. I am so excited to build a warm, family-centered community where your child can thrive, feel loved, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Thank you for trusting me to be part of your child’s journey. I cannot wait to welcome you into our First Step Beginnings family.